First post introduction: I'm Jeff from Arlington, TX. I've lurked since Mitch trapped my mom on SP and needed the comfort this forum provided. Moms boyfriend is the gringo driving the chevy tahoe with Florida plates around SP. Well I finally get to visit paradise. Thanks to those who give freely to this forum, past present and future.

I'll be spending Chrismas vacation with the folks south of the airport. My kids are 12 yr old boy, and 8 yr old girl. What are some activities you would suggest. I have read the 10 best on the "things to do" page of this site. I've also "searched" and there are plenty good posts.

Here are some of my questions:

Are there bike rentals for kid size bikes? I was thinking of bringing down two bikes$$$

Are some ruin sites better suited to the short legged folk?

Both kids are strong swimmers (surf savvy). Will snorkling tours allow them to come along, and have equipment that fits?

Kids are welcome anywhere in San Pedro, except maybe the casino.... Yes, by all means, take them snorkeling. As for their gear, I would fit them and bring it with you. Nothing worse than going snorkeling and your gear doesn't fit. Mouthpiece to big and leaks, or the mask it to big and doesn't make a seal. You can get kid gear relatively cheap. Try Academy. They should be fine at most ruins. Ask your tour company when you get there. No need to book tours before you go. They may have specific suggestions. The island has pizza delivery, and many resorts can even arrange for a responsible sitter if you need one. I know Caribe Island Resort is very helpful that way. They also have water trampolines and pool toys. There is a park downtown across from Jambel's Jerk Pit. Not sure about the bikes, but contact Vicki at Caribe Island Resort if you want to stay there. She'll have them for you I'm sure. She's VERY kid friendly. Have fun.Debbie

If you go to the mainland, check out the zoo. Their are many resorts on the mainland that offer horseback riding, canoeing etc. Our grandkids have stayed at both Banana Bank and Chaa Creek and loved it.

A lot people take their kids along to BC's BBQ on Sundays, as well as the Chicken Drop on Wednesdays - they are both mostly "outdoor" things so its ok. There is also the park at Boca del Rio - a basketball court and other stuff to play on and a nice beach - always lots of kids there. At Christmas there may also be events in town for kids through different groups - I'm sure you'll find something. As for the bikes- don't know how much stuff you're bringing but I wouldn't because of the extra baggage fees - you could buy bikes for them in Belize City for pretty cheap or get your mom or her boyfriend to do it before you get there. I don't know about the rental places with sizes etc...

Belize is very kid friendly everywhere. Amigos del Mar rents kid sized snorkel gear - pretty good quality too. Caribe Island is the only hotel I know of on the island that has kid sized bikes. I've had my kids at Xunantunich & Altun Ha & both were fine for them. I think only Caves Branch has age requirements on their tours but most guides would be able to tell you if they didn't think your kid could do a tour or cave. I have a guide on the mainland who is excellent with kids, email me if you want the details - does caves, canoeing, etc. Since you are coming at Christmas time, you might want to book tours in advance to get what you want, when you want it.

Jeff, we took our 10y old boy to San Pedro this past July, he had a great time. I'll try to fill in a few more blanks:

Joe's bike shop has kids bikes for rent. It's about a block north of Cocina Carumba, middle street, basically at the north end of town. If you search this site, Joe's used to be on the south end of town, but now it's at the N end. I think a kid's bike ran $20/week, adult $30/week.

Searious Adventures also had snorkel gear for kids, we just needed fins, & they had em for us.

Shameless plug (from a very satisfied customer): Tanisha tours (Daniel Nunez) would be a good bet if you're going to do the cave tubing / zoo tour. Daniel's son is about 12y old I guess, & he loves doing the caves when his dad runs that tour. My boy practically had his own private guide, the son showed my boy all sorts of neat stuff about the plants & animals, it really made for a great trip.

As for the chicken drop, there are local kids hanging around, selling necklaces and such at the drop. During a lull in the proceedings I found my boy & a local kid playing w/ a small crab... the drop is a little risque, but it's fun, and really people of all ages check it out...

Also around sundown be sure to go south of town to the lagoon where the crocks are fed, makes for some pre-dinner fun.

Assuming your kids have some ability to make their own fun (don't always have to have stimulus such as Gameboy, teevee, etc) they will love it.

Thanks for the input. The resorts would be nice, but shacking with mom is what's enabling the trip in the first place. The resorts will be hopping due to high season, otherwise I'd try to work a deal for day-use of there services. I'll write Caribe Island Resort to check. It's down south yes?

Between these suggestions, previous posts and the "things to do" area, the two weeks will fly by.

My kids have been going to Belize (all over, not just San Pedro) since the youngest was about 2 -- they're now 19 and 14.

I think their favorite ruins are Caracol, Lamanai, Cerros and Xunantunich, though they've also enjoyed the ruins in southern Belize -- Lubaantun and Nim Il Punit. They can climb them all easily.

For my kids, the swimming pools at hotels make the biggest difference. I believe their favorites are the pools at Turtle Inn (Placencia), Chan Chich (Gallon Jug), Ek'Tun (Cayo), Hidden Valley (Mountain Pine Ridge) and a couple of others.

Of all the places to hang out in Belize, they like San Pedro the best.

Over the years, they've had some problems with snorkeling in Belize, due to strong currents, especially around Ambergris. They don't especially care for sea swimming in Belize, though they like the beaches.

What they get the biggest kick out of is wildlife spotting in the bush, either on their own or on guided tours.

It's a laid back place. The kids will find lots to do just hanging out at the beach and being kids. Needless to say, you have to keep an eye open to make sure their friends are OK, but overall, they should have a great time. Then, you add a few tours on (the zoo really is charming)and they will enjoy themselves. Do be a little careful of snorkeling at shark/ray. An adult died there last February or March due to currants. Normally, it is OK.